Dental floss applicator

ABSTRACT

A dental floss applicator including a fork member, a base section and spaced first and second prong sections extending therefrom. The base and prongs define a generally U-shaped recess between the prongs. Each prong is provided with a channel extending longitudinally therealong, a first longitudinal channel on the first prong and a second longitudinal channel on the second prong. The channel along the first prong decreases in depth towards the free end of the prong and the channel along the second prong increases in depth towards the free end of the second prong. Each channel terminates at the free end of the prong in a notch. Each prong is also provided with a transverse channel at right angles to its longitudinal channel and the transverse channels are in axial alignment. The transverse channel on the first prong is deeper at the point of intersection with the first longitudinal channel than the longitudinal channel and the transverse channel on the second prong is shallower at the point of intersection with the second longitudinal channel than the longitudinal channel. A handle is attached to the base and a reservoir for floss is provided in the handle in communication with the longitudinal channel in the first prong section.

United States Patent 1191 Wharton Mar. 18, 1975 DENTAL FLOSS APPLICATOR Franklin Eugene Wharton, 1308 Sartori Ave., Torrance, Calif. 90501 22 Filed: Nov. 19, 1973 211 App]. No.: 416,946

[76] Inventor:

Primary ExaminerG. E. McNeill Attorney, Agent, or Firm-William F. McDonald [5 7] ABSTRACT A dental floss applicator including a fork member, a base section and spaced first and second prong sections extending therefrom. The base and prongs define a generally U-shaped recess between the prongs. Each prong is provided with a channel extending longitudinally therealong, a first longitudinal channel on the first prong and a second longitudinal channel on the second prong. The channel along the first prong decreases in depth towards the free end of the prong and the channel along the second prong increases in depth towards the free end of the second prong. Each channel terminates at the free end of the prong in a notch. Each prong is also provided with a transverse channel at right angles to its longitudinal channel and the transverse channels are in axial alignment. The transverse channel on the first prong is deeper at the point of intersection with the first longitudinal channel than the longitudinal channel and the transverse channel on the second prong is shallower at the point of intersection with the second longitudinal channel than the longitudinal channel. A handle is attached to the base and a reservoir for floss is provided in the handle in communication with the longitudinal channel in the first prong section.

7 Claims, 17 Drawing Figures PATENTEBHAR] 8I975 sum 2 0P3 PATENTEDMAR 1 1915 3.871.393

sum 3 073 as v a4 36 a 42 75 K5 iz DENTAL FLOSS APPLICATOR BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to tooth cleaning instruments. It is particularly applicable to the use of dental floss to remove plaque, food particles and the like from between the teeth.

Dental floss has long been used to remove food particles from between the teeth. It is only relatively recently that additional benefits from the regular use of dental floss have become recognized. It has been found that flossing also removes bacterial plaque, which plaque is highly injurious to teeth and gums.

The commonest method of applying dental floss is to wind '21 long strand of floss between a finger on each hand and then try to insert the floss between the teeth in the mouth. This is awkward and it also is extremely difficult to maintain the tension on the floss desired for maximum efficiency. Moreover, a great deal of floss is used, considering the relatively small quantity actually applied to the teeth.

Because of the problems with the hand application of floss, many dental floss applicators or holders have been proposed. They have enjoyed only limited success. Many have not kept the floss sufficiently taut. Those that have maintained the desired tautness or tension have been extremely complicated and cumbersome. Accordingly, a real need has developed for a dental floss applicator which will tightly hold the floss so as to maintain the desired tautness, and at the same time be simple and easy to use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a dental floss applicator which overcomes the deficiencies' of the prior art. The device is simple and easy to use and at the same time tightly holds the floss so the desired tautness is maintained. The applicator is easy to insert in the mouth and facilitates the application of the floss between the teeth.

A dental floss applicator including. a fork member and a base section and spaced first and second prong sections extending therefrom. The base and prongs define a generally U-shaped recess between the prongs. Each prong is provided with a channel extending longitudinally therealong, a first longitudinal channel on the first prong and a second longitudinal channel on the second prong. The channel along the first prong decreases in depth towards the free end of the prong and the channel along the second prong increases in depth towards the free end of the second prong. Eachchannel terminates at the free end of the prong in a notch. Each prong is also provided with a transverse channel at right angles to its longitudinal channel and the transverse channels are in axial alignment. The transverse channel on the first prong is deeper at the point of intersection with the first longitudinal channel than the longitudinal channel and the transverse channel on the second prong is shallower at the point of intersection with the second longitudinal channel than the longitudinal channel. A handle is attached to the base and a reservoir for floss is provided in the handle in communication with the longitudinal channel in the first prong section.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings are illustrative of advantageous embodiments in this invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view ofa dental floss applicator according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view, in section. with parts removed for purposes of clarity, taken along line 22 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view, in section, taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view, in section, taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 5a and 5b are top plan views taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3, showing the key useful in the present invention in two different positions;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view, in section, taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a partial side perspective view, partly in section, and with parts removed for purposes of clarity, of one of the prongs of the applicator shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is an end elevational view, in section, taken along line 8--8 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view, partly in section, and

- with parts removed for purposes of clarity, of one of the prongs of the applicator shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is an end elevational view, in section, taken along line 10-l0 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of a dental floss applicator of the present invention, Showing a modification thereof;

FIG. 12 is a partial sectional view of the applicator of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view showing another modification of a dental floss applicator according to the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view showing another modification of a dental floss applicator according to the present invention;

FIGS. 15a and 15b illustrate a detent useful in the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Throughout the drawings the same reference numerals have been used for corresponding parts.

In FIG. 1, a dental floss applicator in accordance with the present invention is indicated generally at 10. As shown, applicator 10 includes a base section 12 and spaced first and second prong sections extending therefrom, a first prong section 14, and a second prong section 16. Base 12 and prongs 14, 16 define a generally U-shaped recess 18 between prongs 14, and 16. Prong 14 has a channel 20 extending longitudinally therealong. Similarly prong 16 also has a channel 22 extending longitudinally therealong. Channel 20, along first prong 14 decreases in depth towards free end 24 of prong l4 and channel 22 along second prong 16 increases in depth toward free end 26 of second prong 16. Channel 20 terminates at free end 24 in a notch 28 tive prong 14, 16, and transverse channels 32, 34, are in axial alignment and each is adjacent the free end of its respective prong 14, 16.

As will be apparent from subsequent figures herein, transverse channel 32 on first prong 14 is deeper at the point of intersection with the first longitudinal channel 20 than longitudinal channel 20 and transverse channel 34 on second prong 16 is shallower at the point ofintersection with second longitudinal channel 22 than longitudinal channel 22.

A handle indicated generally at 36 is attached to base 12. A reservoir 38 for floss is provided in handle 36 in communication with longitudinal channel 20 in first prong 14. As shown, reservoir 38 may be provided with a centrally disposed conical spindle 40 therein and a cap member 42. Spindle 40 may be omitted if desired.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the positioning of a spool of floss within reservoir 38 may be seen. As shown, the spool of floss may becomposed of two sections, a top section 44 and a bottom section 46. The spool indicated generally at 48 is positioned on conical spindle 40, the conical surface of spindel 40 resulting in a high friction engagement with spool 40, which can assist in maintaining the desired tension or tautness on the dental floss 50 between prongs 14 and 16. As shown, the floss 50 unwinds form spool 48 and passes through passage 52 into first longitudinal channel 20.

As maybe seen in FIG. 1, keyway 54 extends laterally across base 12 of the fork member comprised of base 12 and prongs 14 and 16, adjacent handle 36 and crossing longitudinal channels 14 and 16. Key 56 is operably positioned in keyway 54 and is movable between two positions as will be more specifically described hereinafter. Referring now to FIG. 3, it may be seen that key 56 is provided with a passage 58 therethrough and a groove 60 across one end, 62 thereof. As may be seen in FIG. a, passage 58 is in alignment with first longitudinal channel and groove 60 is clear of second longitudinal channel 22 when key 56 is in the first of its two positions, the first position permitting unrestricted passage of dental floss through the longitudinal channels 20, 22.

FIG. 5b shows my 56 in its second position in keyway 54. In this position passage 58 and groove 60 are each offset from their respective channels 20, 22 whereby key 56 restrains floss 50 from movement in channels 20, 22. This facilitates maintenance of the desired tautness or tension on floss 50 between prongs 14 and 16. Detents may be provided, if desired, to

restrain the movementof key 56 to the two positions.

FIG. 4 illustrates the generally V-shaped cross section of channels 20, and 22. The V-shaped cross section of the channels also provides frictional resistan ce to the passage of floss 50 therethrough which further assists in the maintenance of the desired tension or tautness of floss 50.

FIG. 6 shows quite clearly the manner in which channel 20 slopes, being deeper at passage 52 than at the point of intersection with transverse channel 32.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, the relationship of the transverse and longitudinal channels on first prong 14 may be more clearly seen. It may also be seen that a further side channel 64, although not absolutely necessary, may be provided. The relationship of longitudinal channel 20 and transverse channel 32 is such that one first threads floss 50 down the channel 20 through passage 58 in key 56 and then down through notch 28 across end 24 of prong 14. One then brings floss 50 up side channel 64 and back across transverse channel 32 pushing the floss down in channel 20 and restraining it against the base thereof. This effectively locks floss 50 in position as one proceeds across recess 18 with floss 50 to second prong 16. Floss 50 may be wound more than once around prong 14 if desired. Channels 64 may also be provided on both sides of prong 14 if desired.

FIGS. 9 and 10 relate to second prong 16. In the embodiment shown, second prong 16 is also provided with a side channel 66. An additional side channel could be provided on the other side of prong 16 if desired. The floss 50 would come across from transverse channel 32 on first prong 14 through transverse channel 34 on second prong 16. The floss is then brought down through side channel 66, and up through notch 30 in end 36 and across transverse channel 34 in longitudinal channel 22. Since longitudinal channel 22 is deeper at the point of intersection than transverse channel 34, the floss is pressed down tightly against the bottom of transverse channel 34. The combination of the two transverselongitudinal relations on prongs l4 and 16 very effectively locks the floss 50 in place and maintains the desired tension and tautness thereof. The other elements of the applicator, as discussed above, further lock the floss in position. Floss 50 could be wound more than once around prong 16 if desired.

FIG. 11 illustrates an additional element which may advantageously used in the present invention. As shown therein, a spring biasing element indicated generally at 68 and comprised of a pair of opposed leaf springs 70 is disposed in first. longitudinal channel 20 between first prong section 14 and floss reservoir 38. The spacing of opposed leaf springs 70 is such that floss 50 must pass between them, and flex them as it does so, in its travels down longitudinal channel 20. As a result of the flexure of leaf springs 70, spring biasing element 68 frictionally engages floss 50 and further resists the movement thereof, which further helps maintain the desired tautness of the floss.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view showing the action of spring biasing elements 68 on floss 50.

FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative embodiment of spring biasing element 68, utilizing only one leaf spring 70. In this embodiment, leaf spring 70 is disposed horizontally across channel 20 rather than vertically disposed along channel 20 as in FIGS. 11 and 12. The floss passes over the convex surface of leaf spring 70 and is frictionally held there against by clip plate 72 which passes across the top thereof and helps hold the floss 50 in frictional engagement with leaf spring 70. If desired, as shown, a floss cutter 74 may be provided in the end of clip plate 72.

FIG. 14 illustrates another embodiment of the spring biasing element 68. In this embodiment, leaf springs 70 are opposed ends of a continuous band 76 of spring steel which passes around the inside perimeter of reservoir 38 in such a manner that opposed leaf springs 70 are vertically disposed in first longitudinal channel 20 at the juncture thereof with reservoir 38. The relationship of leaf springs 70 and the resultant frictional engagement thereof with floss 50 are the same as in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

FIGS. 15a and 15b illustrate a detent useful in the present invention, FIG. 15a showing key 56 in its first position and FIG. 15b showing it in its second position. A slot 78 is provided in base 12. Pawl plate 80 is positioned in keyway 54 with one end thereof bent so as to engage slot 78. This holds pawl plate 80 in position. Pallet 82 extends upwardly from pawl plate 80.

An upper slot 84 is provided in key 56. Ratchet plate 86 is positioned on the bottom of key 56. One end of ratchet plate 86 engages upper slot 84. This facilitates the proper positioning of ratchet plate 86 which is held in position by rivet 88. A small tooth 90 and a large tooth 92 are provided on ratchet plate 86.

Large tooth 92 will engage pallet 82 when key 56 is in its first position, preventing the complete removal of key 56 from keyway 54 and maintaining the proper alignment of passage 58 with channel 20 for movement of floss 50 therethrough. Small tooth 90 will yieldably hold key 56 in its second position. It will be appreciated both teeth 90 and 92 will pass over pallet 82- due to the resiliency thereof when key 56 is first assembled in keyway 54.

In all cases it would be appreciated that the present invention provides a dental floss applicator which will keep the floss quite taut and maintain the desired tension thereon. The applicators are simple and easy to load with floss and use in the mouth. It will be appreciated that while there have been shown and described hereinabove possible embodiments of this invention, the invention is not limited thereto, and various changes, alterations, and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope thereof as defined in the claims.

1 Claim:

1. A dental floss applicator which comprises:

a A fork member including a base section and spaced first and second prong sections extending therefrom the base and prongs defining a generally U-shaped recess between the prongs, each prong being provided with a longitudinal channel extending longitudinally therealong, a first longitudinal channel on the first prong and a second longitudinal channel on the second prong, the channel along the first prong decreasing in depth towards the free end of the prong and the channel along the second prong increasing in depth towards the free end of the second prong, each channel terminating at the free end of the prong in a notch, each prong also being provided with a transverse channel adjacent the free end thereof at right angles to its longitudinal channel, the transverse channels being in axial alignment, the transverse channel on the first prong being deeper at the point of intersection with the longitudinal channel than the longitudinal channel and the transverse channel on the second prong being shallower at the point of intersection with the longitudinal channel than the longitudinal channel, b. A handle attached to the base, a reservoir for floss being provided in the handle in communication with the longitudinal channel in the first prong section.

2. The applicator of claim 1 wherein a keyway extends laterally across the base of the fork adjacent the handle and crossing the longitudinal channels and which includes a key operatively positioned in the keyway and moveable between two positions, a first position permitting unrestricted passage of dental floss through the longitudinal channels and a second position wherein the key restrains the floss from movement through the channels.

3. The applicator of claim 2 wherein the key is provided with a passage therethrough and a groove across one end thereof, the passage being in alignment with the first longitudinal channel and the groove being clear of the second longitudinal channel so that floss may move therethrough in the first position, and each offset from its respective channel in the second position whereby the key restrains the floss from movement through the channels.

4. The applicator of claim 1 wherein the channels are generally V-shaped in cross section.

5. The applicator of claim 1 including as an additional element a spring biasing element disposed in the first longitudinal channel between the first prong section and the floss reservoir, and adapted to frictionally engage the dental floss.

6. The applicator of claim 5 wherein the spring biasing element is disposed in the first longitudinal channel at the juncture with the reservoir.

7. The applicator of claim 2 including a pawl plate having an upwardly extending pallet thereon positioned in the keyway and a ratchet plate having two teeth thereon positioned on the key so that the teeth will operably engage the pallet, one tooth engaging the pallet so as to yieldably hold the key in the second position and the other tooth engaging the pallet to prevent removal of the key beyond the first position.

* l l =l 

1. A dental floss applicator which comprises: a. A fork member including a base section and spaced first and second prong sections extending therefrom the base and prongs defining a generally U-shaped recess between the prongs, each prong being provided with a longitudinal channel extending longitudinally therealong, a first longitudinal channel on the first prong and a second longitudinal channel on the second prong, the channel along the first prong decreasing in depth towards the free end of the prong and the channel along the second prong increasing in depth towards the free end of the second prong, each channel terminating at the free end of the prong in a notch, each prong also being provided with a transverse channel adjacent the free end thereof at right angles to its longitudinal channel, the transverse channels being in axial alignment, the transverse channel on the first prong being deeper at the point of intersection with the longitudinal channel than the longitudinal channel and the transverse channel on the second prong being shallower at the point of intersection with the longitudinal channel than the longitudinal channel, b. A handle attached to the base, a reservoir for floss being provided in the handle in communication with the longitudinal channel in the first prong section.
 2. The applicator of claim 1 wherein a keyway extends laterally across the base of the fork adjacent the handle and crossing the longitudinal channels and which includes a key operatively positioned in the keyway and moveable between two positions, a first position permitting unrestricted passage of dental floss through the longitudinal channels and a second position wherein the key restrains the floss from movement through the channels.
 3. The applicator of claim 2 wherein the key is provided with a passage therethrough and a groove across one end thereof, the passage being in alignment with the first longitudinal channel and the groove being clear of the second longitudinal channel so that floss may move therethrough in the first position, and each offset from its respective channel in the second position whereby the key restrains the floss from movement through the channels.
 4. The applicator of claim 1 wherein the channels are generally V-shaped in cross section.
 5. The applicator of claim 1 including as an additional element a spring biasing element disposed in the first longitudinal channel between the first prong section and the floss reservoir, and adapted to frictionally engage the dental floss.
 6. The applicator of claim 5 wherein the spring biasing element is disposed in the first longitudinal channel at the juncture with the reservoir.
 7. The applicator of claim 2 including a pawl plate having an upwardly extending pallet thereon positioned in the keyway and a ratchet plate having two teeth thereon positioned on the key so that the teeth will operably engage the pallet, one tooth engaging the pallet so as to yieldably hold the key in the second position and the other tooth engaging the pallet to prevent removal of the key beyond the first position. 